Carrying case for portable sewing machines



Dec. 29, 1953 c. GAISER 2,664,333

CARRYING CASE FOR PORTABLE SEWING MACHINES Filed Nov. 71, 1951 4Sheets-Sheet 1 Iwvevflfor Cay-Z Gac'se Dec. 29, 1953 c s I 2,664,333

CARRYING CASE FOR PORTABLE SEWING MACHINES Filed Nov. 7, 1951 4SheetsSheet 2 I7?- ve7z for C521- Z 'Gaa'ser- B Dec. 29, 1953 c, GAISER2,664,333

CARRYING CASE FOR PORTABLE SEWING MACHINES Filed Nov. '7, 1951 4Sheets-Sheet s Dec. 29, 1953 c, GAISER 2,664,333

CARRYING CASE FOR PORTABLE SEWING MACHINES Filed Nov. 7, 1951 4Sheets-Sheet 4 Car 2 Game/- Patented Dec. 29, 1953 Z td 333 CARRYINGCASE FOR PORTABLE SEWING MACHINES Carl-Gaiser, Gehling, Turgi,Switzerland, assignor to Mefina S. A., Benningen, Switzerland,acorporation of. Switzerland Application November 7, 1951, Serial No.255,240

Claims priority, application Switzerland January 22, 1951 16 Claims-r 1This invention relates to a carrying case for a portable sewing machineof the free arm type, and more particularly has reference to the type ofcase comprising two trays joined one to the other in such a manner thatin opened-up condition, the said trays are situated one in extension ofthe other'so as to form a worktabl'e. the height of which is practicallyequal to half the depth of the closed carrying case. An opening isprovided'in one of the trays to receive the free arm of the sewingmachine. This opening is so arranged that the plane of the table formedby trays is situated at a level of the upper face of the free arm forreceiving the article to be sewed.

Carrying cases for portable sewing machines are known comprising twotrays made to be placed end to end to form a worktabl e. In some. ofthese cases, the bottom is removable so that to remove the machine fromthe case, the bottom is separated from the trays, which latter are thenspaced one from the other and arranged end to end to form theworktable.

Such carrying cases have a serious disadvantage since if the user of themachine, on inserting the latter into the case, does not take care to insure that its bottom is well fixed, the bottom is liable to comedetached in transport, allowing the sewing machine to fall out.

In other known carrying cases, the bottom is integral with one of thetrays and the second tray is jointed to the first at its upper end. Sucha construction is not very practical since when it is desired to removethe machine from its case or to replace it inside the same, it isnecessary to arrange the two trays, one in extension of the other,vertically. It will be readily seen that such an arrangement of the caseis very unstable and the case is apt to turn over, or the upper tray tofalldown, which might injure the person who is opcrating the machine andpossibly damage the latter.

Moreover, in the two types of cases above mentioned, a supplementarytray is provided to mask or conceal, when the case is closed, theopening provided in one of the main trays for the free tinguished fromthe prior-art cases in that itstraysarepivotally mounted on two oppositehinges oi the; bottom of the case, which latter is formed or two; partsjoined. one tov the other in such. a mannenas tobecapableoi folding and.thus of. permit ting the: lower part of one of. the trays to beappreached to the corresponding part of the other tray to form thetable.

iii)

The accompanying drawing illustrates by way of example oneconstructional form of the said carrying case.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a case according to the presentinvention in closed condition;

Fig. 2- is a similar view showing the case partly opened? Fig. 3 is aperspective view of the case fully opened exposing the sewing machine;

Fig. 4 is a partial view showing the case in one stage of itstransformation into a worlstable;

Fig. 5 is a section through the case when transformed into a worktable,but not yet inverted;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the worktable obtained by transformationof the case and fitted about the free arm of the sewing machine;

According to the present invention, the carrying case for a portablesewing machine as shown in the drawings comprises two trays land 2'joined to two opposite sides of a bottom 3. These: trays l and 2constitute two substantially similar parts of the case. The caseinclosedcondition has a generally parallelepiped shape and the plane ofseparation of the two trays is coincident with the main median plane ofthe case.

To enable the lower part of each tray to be brought against thecorresponding part of the other, the bottom 3 is formed of two parts 4'and 5 joined one to the other (Figures 3, 4 and 5) The trays l and 2 arejoined to the bottom 3' by meansof'hinges 6, and the two parts t and 5of the bottom 3 are joined to each other by means of hinges I (Figure5). The tray 2 has an opening 3 adapted. to receive the free arm 9' ofthe machine.

A brace ll] of U-shape is provided to retain sufficientrigidity of thetray 2v notwithstanding the opening 8 therein. Brace It is also adaptedto serve as: a guide for the free arm 9.

In closed position (see Fig. 1), the opening 8- is closed by a flap IIIof. corresponding shape, which is joined by a hinge [2 to the tray 1(Figure- 3). This flap H is in two parts. l3 and 14 joined one to theother by hinge l5. This double joining is provided to enable the flap Hto be folded up in the tray l in the open position of the case. Thehinge l2 enables the part 53 to be folded against the. inside of thetray I against its upper wall It, and the second part M will then hesubstantially parallel to the plane of the tray I (Figure 5).

A device is provided to maintain the flap H in folded position insidethe tray I. This device comprises two resilient clips ll fixed to thewalls '16 of the tray, I. Theclips ll are bent as shown in Figures 3 and5 whereby they can resiliently releasably grip the hinge l5 and hold thetwo parts It and Min place. Thereby, the flap H is eiiectively grippedfoldedposition without risk of rattling inside the tray I.

A latching device I8 is provided at the free end of the flap I I,comprising an operating lever 29 and a clamp 20. In the raised positionof the lever i9, Fig. 5, the clamp 29 is away from the plane of themember I4 whereas in closed position (Fig. 1), the clamp 20 by bearingagainst the inner wall of the tray 2, holds the flap II in the opening8.

Each tray I and 2 has at its side near the bottom a stiffening rib 2 5.Further, the trays I and 2 are provided inside with hook-like lugs 22adapted to secure the sewing machine against the bottom of the case whenthe latter is closed. These lugs 22 are adapted to grip the base 23 ofthe sewing machine and thus to prevent any shifting of the later insidethe case.

Abutments 24 are provided on the sides of the trays I and 2 which areadapted to bear on each of the members 4 and 5 of the bottom 3, in theclosed position of the case to maintain the bottom quite flat and toavoid any possibility of the bottom 3 bending inwardly should it besubjected to any shock.

Pads 25 (Fig. 5) fixed under the bottom 3 serve as feet for the case. onthe periphery of the trays I and 2 to serve as feet for the worktablewhen the case is so converted.

In addition to the latch means I8, two closure devices with hooks 2'!are provided on the upper walls of the trays to retain these securedagainst each other when the case is closed.

Handle 28 is joined to the walls It of the tray I.

A case such as described is used in the following manner:

When it is desired to use the sewing machine, the case containing thesame is placed on a table. The operating lever i9 is raised in suchmanner as to free the flap II, and the closure members 2'! are released.The part I4 is then raised as shown in Fig. 2 which enables the twotrays I and 2 to be moved apart and folded down flat on the table (Fig.3).

In this position, the lugs 22 have been moved to free the base of themachine, and it is possible to withdraw it from the case. The flap I Iis then turned down into the tray I as shown in Figures 4 and 5. Thebottom 3 is then folded and the trays 1 and 2 are end to end at theirlower edges.

The worktable is thus formed and merely has to be inverted on the table,to rest on its feet 26.

Other pads 26 are arranged machine thus coupled to the table is readyfor use.

It should be noted that the brace I!) which is covered with felt can beinserted between the upper arm and the free arm of the machine when thecase is closed. This brace It, therefore, is useful for holding thesewing machine in place in the case.

Furthermore, for transporting over long distances, it is of advantage tofasten the machine by means of screws against the bottom of the case forwhich purpose holes 30 are provided for the passage of screws in thecorners of bottom 3 (Fig. 4).

Various constructional modifications can be introduced into the carryingcase described, for example, the flap Ii, instead of being permanentlyconnected to the tray I, may be made removable.

It will be observed that in the illustrated example, the carrying caseforms a simple and rigid unit, all the members of which are positively tconnected together so that loss of any part is impossible.

I claim:

1. A carrying case for a portable sewing machine of the free arm typecomprising two trays, each having a main side wall, a top wall and twoend walls, a bottom Wall for each tray, hinge means connecting one edgeof each bottom wall to the corresponding main side wall, and hinge meansconnecting the other edge of each bottom wall of the two trays to eachother to enable the bottom walls to be folded to lie bottom againstbottom.

2. A carrying case for a portable sewing machine of the free arm typecomprising two trays, each having a main side wall, a top wall and twoend walls, a bottom wall for each tray, hinge means connecting one edgeof each bottom wall to the corresponding main side wall, and hinge meansconnecting the other edge of each bottom wall of the two trays to eachother to enable the bottom walls to be folded to lie bottom againstbottom, the main side wall and the top wall of one tray having anopening for receiving the free arm of the sewing machine, said top, endand bottom walls of both trays being of the same depth and substantiallyequal to the height of the top of the free arm, to support the main sidewalls at the same elevation when the trays are disposed bottom to bottomwith the side walls up to form a table.

3. A carrying case for a portable sewing machine of the free arm typecomprising two trays, each having a main side wall, a top wall and twoend walls, a bottom wall for each tray, hinge means connecting one edgeof each bottom wall to the corresponding main side wall, and hinge meansconnecting the other edge of each bottom Wall of the two trays to eachother to enable the bottom walls to be folded to lie bottom againstbottom, the main side wall and the top wall of one tray having anopening for receiving the free arm of the sewing machine, said top, endand bottom walls of both trays being of the same depth and substantiallyequal to the height of the top of the free arm, to support the main sidewalls at the same elevation when the trays are disposed bottom to bottomwith the side walls up to form a table, and a flap for closing said freearm receiving opening in one tray.

4. A carrying case for a portable sewing machine of the free arm typecomprising two trays, each having a main side wall, a top wall and twoend walls, a bottom wall for each tray, hinge means connecting one edgeof each bottom wall to the corresponding main side wall, and hinge meansconnecting the other edge of each bottom wall of the two trays to eachother, the main side wall and the top wall of one tray having an openingfor receiving the free arm of the sewing machine, said top, end andbottom walls of both trays being of the same depth and substantiallyequal to the height of the top of the free arm, to support the main sidewalls at the same elevation when the trays are disposed bottom to bottomwith the side walls up to form a table, a flap for closing said free armreceiving opening in one tray, and means for pivotally mounting saidflap on the other tray.

5. A carrying case for a portable sewing machine of the free arm typecomprising two trays, each having a main side wall, a top wall and twoend walls, a bottom wall for each tray, hinge means connecting one edgeof each bottom wall to the qrresporiding main side Wall, hinge meansconnecting the other edge of each bottom wall of the two trays to eachother, the main side wall and the top wall of one tray having an openingfor receiving the free arm; of the sewing machine, said top, end andbottom walls of both trays beingv of the same depth and substantiallyequalto the height of the top of the free arm, to support the main sidewalls: at the same elevation when the traysare disposed bottom to bottomwith the side walls up to form a table, a flap for closing the free armreceiving opening in the top wall of one tray, means for hingedlymounting said flap to the top wall of the other tray,-and an extensionhingedly carried by the free end of said flap for closing the opening inthe main side wall.

6. A carrying case for a portrble sewing machine of the free arm typecomprising two trays, each having a main side wall, a top wall and twoend walls, a bottom wall for each tray, hinge means connecting one edgeof each bottom wall to the corresponding main side wall, hinge meansconnecting the other edge of each bottom wall of the two trays to eachother, the main side wall and the top wall of one tray having an openingforreceiving the free arm of the sewing machine, said top, end andbottom wells of both trays being of the same depth and substantiallyequal to the height of. the top of the free arm, to support the mainside walls at the same elevation when the trays are disposed bottom tobottom with the side walls up to form a table, a flap for closing thefree arm receiving opening in the top wall of one tray, means forhingedly mounting said flap to the top wall of the other tray, anextension hingedly carried by the free end of said flap for closing theopening in the main side wall, and means for releasably retaining saidflap in folded position against the top wall to which it is hingedlymounted.

'7, A carrying case for a portable sewing machine of the free arm typecomprising two trays, each having a main side wall, a top wall and twoend walls, a bottom wall for each tray, hinge means connecting one edgeof each bottom wall to. the corersponding main side wall, hinge. meansconnecting the other edge of each bottom wall of the two trays to eachother, the main side wall and the top wall of one tray having anopening. for receiving the free arm of the sewing machine, said top, endand bottom walls of both trays being of the same depth and substantiallyequal to the free. arm receiving opening in the top wall of one tray,means for hingedly mounting said flap to the top wall of the other tray,an extensionv hingedly carried by the free end of said flap for closingtheopening in the main side wall, and aresilient. clip carried by thetop wall to which the flap is hingedly mounted and engageable. with thehinged edges of the flap and its extensionto releasably retain it'infolded inoperative position.

8, A carrying case for a. portable sewing machine of the free arm typecomprising two trays, each having a. mainside wall, atop wall and. twoend walls, a bottom wall for each tray, hinge means connecting one edgeof or ch bottom wall to the corresponding main side wall, hinge meansconnecting thev other edge of each bottom wall of the two: trays to eachother, the main side wall andthe top wall of one tray having an openingfor receiving the tree arm of the sewing machine, said top, end andbottom walls of both traysbeing ofthe same depth and substantially equalto the height of the top of. the free arm, to support the, main. sidewalls at the same elevation when the trays are disposed bottom to bottomwith theside walls up to form a table, a flop for closing the free armreceiving opening in the top wall of one tray, means for hingedlymounting said flap to the top wall of the other tray, an extension.hingedly carried by the free end of said flap for. closing the openingin the main side wall, and latching means carried by the free endportion of the extension flap engageable with the side. wall having thefree arm receiving opening to lock the flap and its extension inposition to close said. openings.

9. A. carrying case for a portable sewing machine of the free arm typecomprising two trays, each having amain side wall, a top wall and-two.end walls, a bottom wall for each tray, hinge: means connecting oneedgeof each bottom wall to the corresponding main side wall, hinge meansconnecting the other edge of each bottom wall of the two trays toeachother, the main side wall and the top wall of one tray having anopening for receiving the free arm of the sewing machine, said top, endand bottom walls of both trays being of the same depth and substantiallyequal to the height of the top of the free arm, to support. the mainside walls at the same elevation when the trays are disposed bottom tobottom with the. sidewalls up to form a table, a flap for closing the.free arm receiving opening in the top wall of. one. tray, means forhingedly mounting said flap to the top wall ot-the other tray, anextension 1 hingedly carried by the free end of said flap for closingthe opening in the main side wall, and a resilient. clip carried by thetop wall to which the flap is hingedly mounted and engageable with thehinged edges of the flap and its extension to releasabl-y retain it infolded inoperative position, and latching means carried by the free end.portion of the extension flap engageable with the side wall having. thefree arm receiving opening. to lock the flap. and its extension inposition to close said openings.

10. A carrying case for a portable sewing machine of the free arm typecomprising two trays, each having a main side wall, a top wall and twoend walls, a bottom wall for each tray, hinge means connecting one edgeof each bottom wall to the corresponding main side wall, hinge meansconnecting the other edge of each bottom wall of the two trays to eachother, the main side wall and the top wall .of one tray having anopening. for receiving. the free arm of the sewing machine, said top,end and bottom walls of both trays being ot the same depth andsubstantially equal to the height of the top of the free arm, to supportthe main sidewalls at the same. elevation. when th trays are disposedbottom to bottom with the side walls up to form. a table, and. aU-shaped brace having its tree ends connected to the sidewall onoppositev edges of. the free arm receiving open.- ing. therein tomaintain the rigidity of the side. wall and. embrace the free arm. ofthe machine.

11. A carrying for a portable sewing, machine of the free arm typecomprising two trays, each having a main side wall, a top wall and twoend Walls, a bottom wall for each tray, hinge means connecting one edgeof each bottom wall: to the corresponding main side wall, hinge meansconnecting the other edge of each bottom wall of" the two trays to eachother to enable-- the bottom walls to be folded to lie bottom againstbottom, the main side wall and the top wall of one tray having anopening for receiving the free arm of the sewing machine, said top, endand bottom walls of both trays being of the same depth and substantiallyequal to the height of the top of the free arm, to support the main sidewalls at the same elevation when the trays are disposed bottom to bottomwith the side walls up to form a table, and a stifiiening rib extendingacross each tray adjacent but spaced from the bottom.

12. A carrying case for a portable sewing machine of the free arm typecomprising two trays, each having a main side wall, a top wall and twoend walls, a bottom wall for each tray, hinge means connecting one edgeof each bottom wall to the corresponding main side wall, hinge meansconnecting the other edge of each bottom wall of the two trays to eachother'to enable the bottom walls to be folded to lie bottom againstbottom, the main side wall and the top wall of one tray having an.opening for receiving the free arm of the sewing machine, said top, endand bottom walls of both trays being of th same depth and substantiallyequal to the height of the top of the free arm, to support the main sidewalls at the same elevation when the trays are disposed bottom to bottomwith the side walls up to form a table, and hooks extending inwardly ofthe trays from each of the main side walls thereof at positionsadjacent, but spaced from the bottom for engaging the sewing machineagainst the bottom walls when the case is closed.

13. A carrying case for a portable sewing machine of the free arm typecomprising two trays, each havin a main Side wall, a top wall and twoend walls, a bottom wall for each tray, hinge means connecting one edgeof each bottom wall to the corresponding main side wall, hinge meansconnecting the other edge of each bottom wall of the two trays to eachother to enable the bottom walls to be folded to lie bottom againstbottom, the main side wall and the topwall of one tray having an openingfor receiving the free arm of the sewing machine, said top, end andbottom walls of both trays being of the same depth and substantiallyequal to the height of the top of the free arm, to support the main sidewalls at the same elevation when the trays are disposed bottom to bottomwith the side walls up to form a table, hooks extending inwardly of thetrays from each of the main side walls thereof, at positions adjacent,but spaced from the bottom for engaging the sewing machine against thebottom walls when the case is closed, and a stiffening rib extendingacross each tray adjacent but spaced from the bottom just above thehooks.

14. A carrying case for a portable sewing machine of the free arm typecomprising two trays, each having a main side wall, a top wall and twoend walls, a bottom wall for each tray, hinge means connecting one edgeof each bottom wall to the corresponding main side wall, hinge meansconnecting the other edge of each bottom wall of the two trays to eachother, the main side wall and the top wall of one tray having an openingfor receiving the free arm of the sewin machine, said top, end andbottom walls of both trays being of the same depth and substantiallyequal to the height of the top of the free arm, to support the main sidewalls at the same elevation when the trays are disposed bottom to bottomwith the side walls up to form a table, a flap for closing the free armreceiving opening in the top wall of one tray, means for hingedlymounting said flap to the top wall of the other tray,

an extension hingedly carried by the free end of said flap for closingthe opening in the main side wall, and latching means carried by thefree end portion of the extension flap engageable with the side wallhaving the free arm receiving opening to lock the flap and its extensionin position to close said openings, and a U-shaped brace having its freeends connected to the side wall on opposite edges of the free armreceiving opening therein to maintain the rigidity of the side wall andembrace the fre arm of the machine.

15. A carrying case for a portable sewing machine of the free arm typecomprising two trays, each having a main side wall, a top wall and twoend walls, a bottom wall for each tray, hinge means connecting one edgeof each bottom wall to the corresponding main side wall, hinge meansconnecting the other edge of each bottom wall of the two trays to eachother, the main side wall and the top wall of one tray having an openingfor receiving the free arm of the sewing machine, said top, end andbottom walls of both trays being of the same depth and substantiallyequal to the height of the top of the free arm, to support the main sidewalls at the same elevation when the trays are disposed bottom to bottomwith the side walls up to form a table, a flap for closing the free armreceiving opening in the top wall of one tray, means for hingedlymounting said flap to the top wall of the other tray, an extensionhingedly carried by the free end of said fiap for closing the opening inthe main side wall, and latching means carried by the free end portionof the extension flap engageable with the sidewall having the free armreceiving opening to lock the flap and its extension in position toclose said openings, a U-shaped brace having its free ends connected tothe side wall on opposite edges of the free arm receiving openingtherein to maintain the rigidity of the side wall and embrace the freearm of the machine, and hooks extending inwardly of the trays from eachof the main side walls thereof at positions adjacent, but spaced fromthe bottom for engaging the sewing machine against the bottom walls whenthe case is closed.

16. A carrying case for a portable sewing machine having a free armcomprising two trays joined one to the other in such a manner that inspread out position, the said trays will be located one in extension ofthe other to form a worktable, the height of which is substantiallyequal to half the depth of the case when closed, one of the trays havingan opening to receive the free arm of the machine and so arranged thatthe plane of the table formed by the trays is situated at the level ofthe top of the free arm of the sewing machine for receivin the articlesto be sewed, the two trays being joined on two opposite sides of thebottom of the case, which bottom is formed of two members joined one tothe other in such a manner that they can be folded to permit the lowerpart of one of the trays to be brought against the corresponding part ofthe other tray to form the worktable.

CARL GAISER.

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